Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Kootenai National Forest? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Upper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 designated campsites, restroom, gravel boat launch, and day parking. The area has several hiking trails near by and the Stillwater River borders the campground.
At an elevation of 5,500 feet, Red Meadow Campground has 6 campsites near Red Meadow Lake. Bring your own drinking water, a vault toilet is available. Red Meadow Lake Campsite Food Storage
Dispersed camping opportunities are available at many sites on the forest but few are detailed here. For more information contact one of our Forest Service offices.
Guide
Dispersed spot in the flathead national forest. Did some group camping here. Nice and open, however it was absolutely littered with trash. Some a moose!
Legend
It’s Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees! I get one bar of Verizon service but it’s not very useful.
GuideCedar Creek trailhead is not officially a campground but the parking lot can be used for camping at after 5PM. It is not massive lot, but there is plenty of space for five or six tents or car campers. A spring runs next to the lot and if you have a filter, its makes for a great place to resupply on water.
I stayed here in June 2022 and had no issues with locals driving up.
GuideWe stayed here in June 2019 while on a motorcycle trip. The area is a large open spot, known to the locals, down by the river. There are no facilities, but if that is what you are looking for, its a perfect spot. We only had one other camper (in a car) and it was very clean.
Guide
This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kootenai National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kootenai National Forest is Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kootenai National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
